The South-East Asian country made the decision this week, and will hold detailed briefings with the remaining candidates and conduct further flight trials for the aircraft in the coming months, say industry sources. Singapore has given the bidders only broad guidelines on its requirements and left them to recommend aircraft numbers and costs. A final decision is expected around mid-2009.

"BAE Systems is disappointed and surprised to learn that it has not been successful," the company says. "We believe that the aircraft's capabilities, allied to the low cost of through-life ownership and BAE's pedigree in delivering training solutions make the Hawk an ideal platform."

KAI's T-50 Golden Eagle (photo : Airliners)

Coming nine months after the United Arab Emirates also eliminated the Hawk from its AJT requirement against the same competitors, Singapore's decision could sound the death-knell for the type, believe some sources. The Hawk fell short of what is required to train pilots for fifth-generation fighters and was assessed to be technologically inferior to its competitors, say sources familiar with the decision.

"This is a significant move by Singapore, which does not make defence decisions lightly. The Hawk has served well for the last 30 years, but Singapore has basically said that its time is up," says an industry source. "The T-50 and M-346 are now the future. Unless BAE spends billions of dollars developing a brand new trainer, it is probably out of the game."

However, BAE counters this view, saying: "We will actively pursue new opportunities where we feel Hawk meets the air force's requirements and supports our through-life strategy." In the meantime, it adds: "Our focus will continue to be on delivering our existing production contracts for India, South Africa and the UK, and on providing through-life support to many of the 19 existing Hawk operators."

Alenia-Aermacchi M-346 Master (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

Increasing the uncertainty over the future of Hawk, orders nearing an end from the UK and the US Navy, which operates the Boeing-modified T-45 Goshawk. BAE has been in talks with India's Hindustan Aeronautics about possibly moving its Hawk production facilities to South Asia, but nothing has been firmed up.

Lockheed helped to develop the T-50 and works with KAI to market the aircraft globally, while rival Boeing is Alenia Aermacchi's partner and helps the Italian company to promote its M-346 and M-311 trainers. Their presence is significant, say observers. Singapore has ordered 24 Boeing F-15s and may buy more, operates the region's largest fleet of Lockheed F-16s, and is considering the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter for its future requirements.

The involvement of the two US defence contractors also means that the T-50 and M-346 are likely to be among the favourites when the US Air Force opens its own AJT competition in a few years.

WASHINGTON ---The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of M777A2 155mm Light-Weight Howitzers as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $248 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 57 M777A2 155mm Light-Weight Howitzers, 57 AN/VRC-91F Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), integration, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $248 million.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have had a significant impact on regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden-sharing with our allies.

This proposed sale would greatly contribute to Australia’s military capability by making it a more sustainable coalition force to support the Global War on Terror. Australia will use these new M777A2 155mm Howitzers to protect its deployed troops, and give them the ability to operate in hazardous conditions. Australia currently operates the 100mm [actually 105mm—Ed.] Hamel Howitzer and the 155mm M198 Howitzer and will have no difficulty absorbing these howitzers into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be: BAE Land Systems in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and ITT in Fort Wayne, Indiana. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The proposed sale requires engineering technical support for approximately two U.S. government representatives and five contractor representatives for one year.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

China’s PLA Navy (PLAN) on July 6 commissioned its first of six Type 071 Landing Platform Docks (LPD) that will be used for both tri-services operational logistics as well as civilian disaster relief operations. The vessel, with pennant number 998, is now operational with the Navy’s South Sea Fleet and has on board four Z-8K heavylift helicopters. The state-owned China State Shipbuilding & Trading Corp (CSTC), a subsidiary of the China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC), had on December 21, 2006 launched the first LPD at its Shanghai-based Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding facility and this vessel early last September began her sea trials. A modified variant of the Type 071 LPD is also being offered for export to Malaysia by CSTC, which is leading a formidable consortium of Chinese companies that will include China North Industries Corp (NORINCO), China Electronics Trading Corp International (CETC), and guided-missile manufacturer China National Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp (CPMIEC) in its bid to win the Malaysian contract. The Royal Malaysian Navy has projected a requirement for at least two such LPDs, which it calls the multi-role support ship (MRSS).

Type 071 LPD has full displacement of 14,000 tonnes (photo : Chinesemil)The Type 071 LPD has an overall length of 150 metres, waterline length of 140 metres, moulded beamwidth of 30 metres, waterline breadth of 24.5 metres, moulded depth of 20 metres, draught of 5.9 metres, full displacement of 14,000 tonnes, cruising speeds of up to 20 Knots, range of 6,000nm at 18 Knots, endurance of 60 days, a crew complement comprising 30 officers and 145 other ranks, a stern-mounted helicopter deck housing four heavylift helicopters, a 4-metre wide 308-lane metre internal vehicle garage, a deck-mounted flight deck measuring 50 metres by 30 metres, 450 square-metre internal hospital deck, a twin-door cantilever hangar measuring 18.5 metres by 23 metres by 8 metres, and a dry dock measuring 40.4 metres by 15.4 metres by 8 metres. The LPD thus incorporates the features of a troop transport ship, amphibious assault support ship, logistics support ship for submarine escape-and-rescue operations, aviation support ship, field hospital ship (with a surgical unit operating for a minimum of 30 days), and a combined forces command-and-control vessel leading a power projection-oriented naval task force. The vessel is also capable of transporting 800 fully equipped troops along with related tracked/wheeled vehicles, six medium-lift assault hovercraft in times of conflict for a period of 14 days, and will also be able to replenish at sea. Alternatively, the vessel will be able to carry 400 troops, a 50-tonne main battle tank, one hovercraft, four LCMs, four LCVPs, and up to four heavylift helicopters. For export customers, CSTC plans to finish construction of the first Type 071 LPD within 45 months of contract signature. CSTC will take three months to complete initial design work, followed by six months of technical design activity, eight months for construction design, seven months for construction preparation, 12 months for hull construction and installation of machinery, a one-month period for launching the vessel, five months for vessel outfitting alongside in the shipyard, two months of harbour and sea trials, and less than a month for finalising the delivery process.

The Type 071 LPD’s hull and superstructure are reformed—the hull has flaring sides, while the superstructure has a 10º inclination for the sidewalls and a 15º for the frontal and aft walls. To eliminate cavity reflection, large openings are avoided and the observation windows at the bridge and the aviation command-and-control centre use shielded glass. Helicopters from the cantilever hangars will be transferred into and out of the hangar via an integrated helicopter handling system, with the hangers being able to cater for at least 21 days of continuous helicopter operations. The vessel’s maximum persistent pitch and roll are 5º and 15º, respectively. When running at 18 Knots cruising speed with a pair of anti-rolling fins in operation, the residual roll angle at 5-6 sea states will not exceed 4º. The on-board equipment is able to withstand the 45º rolling for 8~10-second periods and persistent ±15º list. The LPD’s integrated CODAD propulsion, controlled by an automated propulsion control system, comprises four MTU 20V956TB92 diesel engines each rated at 8,840hp (6.5mW). The engines have single-step vibration isolators, while the generators have double-step vibration dampers. The twin reduction gearboxes with associate clutches and coupling are rigidly mounted and drive twin low-cavitation controllable pitch noise propellers.

In June 13, Bombardier Aerospace announced that the Government of Malaysia had placed a firm order for two Bombardier 415 multipurpose amphibious aircraft (called Bombardier 415MP) for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). With this order, the MMEA became the launch customer in Asia for the specialised Bombardier 415MP. In addition, the contract includes aircraft systems integration and technical type-training for aircrews and ground crews. A variant of the rugged Bombardier 415 amphibious water-bomber, the only aircraft specifically designed for aerial firefighting, the two Bombardier 415MPs will be modified with maritime surveillance capabilities to meet the specialised needs of the MMEA. As such, the two Bombardier 415MPs will be equipped with a state-of-the-art surveillance suite that includes two side-looking airborne radars, one forward-looking infra red (FLIR) pod, an airborne maritime surveillance system, and other avionics and communications equipment. “The aircraft’s ability to fly at low speed and low altitude with great manoeuvrability and to land on water also makes it an ideal aircraft for coastal patrol missions,” said Michel Bourgeois, President, Specialized and Amphibious Aircraft Division of Bombardier Aerospace. “Our Bombardier 415MP aircraft also offers unique multi-mission capabilities for a wide range of missions as it combines the capabilities of a traditional surveillance aircraft with the added benefit of being able to execute direct interventions on water. It is a very capable and cost-effective aircraft, able to carry out a multitude of specialised missions that previously required dedicated vessels and aircraft,” added Bourgeois.

Since delivery of the first Bombardier 415 aircraft in 1994, Bombardier Aerospace has to date delivered 67 Bombardier 415 aircraft to Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Ontario, Quebec and Spain, with 42 aircraft in operation in the Mediterranean region alone. The multi-purpose Bombardier 415MP can be used in a variety of specialised missions such as search-and-rescue, environmental protection, and coastal patrol-cum-transportation. It is fitted with sophisticated sensors to locate and identify vessels, people in distress, and marine pollutants.

The Bombardier 415 receives its heritage from the piston-engined Canadair CL-215 that was developed in the 1960s. To date, more than 142 CL-215s have been sold worldwide. The Bombardier 415’s design responds to a high-wing, amphibian, turboprop aircraft intended for aerial firefighting. Bombardier launched this programme in 1991 with the aim of replacing the CL-215. The maiden flight was conducted in 1993 and first airworthiness certifications were obtained during 1994, with the first delivery to a customer taking place in November 1994.

On July 9, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore of Major Defense Equipment and associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $962 million.

Also included are testing, integration, devices, missile containers, common munitions built-in test reprogramming equipment, aircrew safety equipment, mission data production system, drones, repair and return, electronic warfare systems and support, weapons trainers, software support and test equipment, life support and survival equipment, spares and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $962 million.

AIM-120C7 AMRAAM (photo : Global Security)

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in Southeast Asia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

Combat system in HMAS Waller (photo : DefenceGovAu)The Royal Australian Navy is set to benefit from HMAS Waller being the first Collins-class submarine to be fitted with the new Replacement Combat System and Heavyweight Torpedo, the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, said today.

The Replacement Combat System and Heavyweight Torpedo capabilities were provided under Projects SEA1439 Phase 4 and SEA1429, and with Initial Operational Release (IOR) now approved, HMAS Waller may commence a period of Naval Operational Test and Evaluation where those capabilities will be fully tested in an operational environment.

“These significant capability upgrades were recently approved for IOR by the Royal Australian Navy and assessed as safe and suitable for operational trials,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

HMAS Waller - Collins class submarine (photo : Naval)

The Minister recently visited HMAS Waller in Hawaii, where its Operational Test and Evaluation activities have included participation in the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC 08) exercise. This exercise is currently being conducted off Hawaii and includes the participation of the United States and eight other Pacific Rim forces.

HMAS Waller represents an important milestone in realising the full capability of the Collins Class submarine and reflects the significant efforts of the prime contractor ASC, the Defence Materiel Organisation, Capability Development Group, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation and the Navy including HMAS Waller’s crew.

“The outcome also represents successful engagement with the US Navy and Australian industry and establishes an ongoing framework for the continued development of these capabilities,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The two projects represent an investment by the Australian Government of approximately $890m and to have both of these complex projects progressing well is a noteworthy achievement,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Installation of these capabilities in further submarines is ongoing and is linked to their docking availabilities.

WASHINGTON - Singapore has shown interest in possibly buying up to 100 of Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft over coming decades, matching Israel's tentative plans, the general in charge of the program for the Pentagon said on Monday.

Separately, the eight countries that have joined the United States to co-develop the plane appear to be largely sticking to their plans to buy some 730 of their own, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles Davis, the Pentagon's program chief.

"The Israelis have said they'd take up to 100 aircraft," he said in an interview. "The Singaporeans have said basically the same thing." Embassy spokesmen of the two countries had no immediate comment.

Development of the F-35, a family of radar-evading aircraft, was co-financed by Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Australia, Denmark and Norway.

The United States currently plans to buy a total of 2,443 F-35 models -- including 1,763 for the U.S. Air Force and 680 for the Marine Corps and Navy together. It is the costliest U.S. arms program ever at a projected $299 billion.

Hundreds of others may be sold overseas to replace a range of fighters, including Lockheed F-16s and Boeing Co (BA.N) F-18s.

Davis predicted Japan formally would request F-35 pricing and availability information by the end of this year as part of its next fighter selection process.

"There's no doubt it'll be a strong competitor" in Japan, he said, adding talks had also taken place with Spain about the F-35 as an eventual replacement for its Harrier jump jets.

Cokpit of F-35 (photo : USCockpits)He said the F-35 was on course to become a $1 trillion venture worldwide through 2065, when the last scheduled to be built would reach the end of its projected service life.

One trillion dollars is "what it costs to develop, buy, upgrade, sustain and fly more than 3,000 airplanes through their entire scheduled life cycle," he said, referring to the projected world fleet.

Tom Jurkowsky, a Lockheed Martin spokesman, said the F-35 program was making "outstanding technical progress, especially in the context of it being the most complex aircraft ever built."

The first F-35, a conventional take-off and landing version, began its flight testing program on December 15, 2006.

After the June 11 maiden flight of a short take-off, vertical landing model, the Pentagon's top arms buyer, John Young, said the program was more mature than comparable ones at this stage of development "in terms of quality, software, testing and manufacturing readiness."

Lockheed's chief F-35 subcontractors are Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC.N) and BAE Systems Plc (BAES.L). Two rival, interchangeable F-35 engines are under development. One is built by United Technologies Corp's (UTX.N) Pratt & Whitney unit; the other by a team of General Electric Co (GE.N) and Rolls-Royce Group Plc (RR.L).

F-35 competitors include Saab's (SAABb.ST) Gripen, the Dassault (AVMD.PA) Rafale, MiG-35 and Sukhoi Su-35, and the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by a consortium of British, German, Italian and Spanish companies.

RAAF's F/A-18 with JDAM smart bomb (photo : Boeing)Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP has announced that Australia's air capability has been further enhanced by the successful trialling of a new radar warning receiver and acceptance by Air Force of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) 'Smart Bomb'.

The first production configured F/A-18 Hornet fitted with a new Radar Warning Receiver has successfully flown at RAAF Williamtown, only 18 months after the decision to acquire the equipment.

As part of the Hornet upgrade program, Australia's fleet of F/A-18 aircraft are being fitted with upgraded Radar Warning Receivers, countermeasures systems and radar jamming systems.

Earlier this year the Royal Australian Air Force accepted the Operational and Technical Airworthiness of the JDAM 'smart-bomb' on F/A-18A/B fighter aircraft.

Joint Direct Attack Munition /JDAM (image : Ausairpower)

The JDAM 'smart-bomb' provides RAAF F/A-18A/B fighters with a state-of-the-art weapon capability, allowing them to accurately employ air-to-ground weapons during day or night and in all weather conditions through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.

"These upgrades to the F/A-18 Hornet will provide the Royal Australian Air Force with leading-edge technology, ensuring the Hornet's continued ability to operate as Australia's frontline fighter aircraft," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

"The JDAM 'smart-bomb' will provide the Air Force with greatly improved accuracy and weapon effectiveness, reducing the likelihood of collateral damage during offensive operations.

"The upgrade to the Hornet's Radar Warning Receiver is a significant achievement for the Defence Materiel Organisation as it has only been 18 months since the Raytheon ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver was approved as part of the Hornet's Electronic Warfare Self Protection upgrade."

JDAM trajectory (image : Ausairpower)

During the 18 months since approval, the project acquired the Radar Warning Systems, completed the design, integration and testing required to install and operate the new system on the Hornet. The project is within budget and on-track to deliver the complete electronic warfare self protection upgrade to the entire Hornet fleet by late 2012.

"Given the complexity of the project, the ability to deliver within schedule and budget has been a big success for the Defence Materiel Organisation," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

Missile launcher of the TD-2000B system (photo : Tempur)Following extensive evaluations of competing systems, the Indonesian Army earlier this year inked a US$35 million contract with the state-owned China National Precision Machinery Import Export Corp (CPMIEC) under which two TD-2000B combined gun-missile short-range air defence systems (SHORADS) are being acquired as replacements for existing BAE Systems-built Rapier Mk1 SHORADS. Deliveries will be completed by 2009. Prior to contract signature the Indonesian Army had shortlisted two competing systems from China: CPMIEC’s TD-2000B comprising QW-3 laser-guided missiles (four missiles per launcher) and NORINCO-built Type 80 57mm anti-aircraft guns; and China North Industries Corp’s (NORINCO) Giant Bow-2 twin-barrelled 23mm guns (already in service with the Indonesian Air Force) and TY-90 infra-red missiles. This is the second major weapon system of Chinese origin to have been ordered by the Indonesian armed forces. Previously, the Air Force had ordered the QW-3 shoulder-launched VSHORADS incorporating infra-red seekers, and Giant Bow-2s for base air defence operations.

The laser-guided Qian Wei-3 (QW-3, or Vanguard 3) is a 8km-range missile (that is also known as the FL-2000B) first revealed during the 2002 Zhuhai Air Show. Unlike other manportable air defence missiles that commonly use the passive IR-homing guidance, the QW-3 comes fitted with a unique nose-mounted semi-active laser guidance seeker. This enables the QW-3 to be almost immune to infra-red countermeasures. The nose-mounted laser guidance sensor has a relatively low rate of tracking (15 degrees/second) in comparison to conventional IR-homing surface-to-air missiles. However, this disadvantage is compensated by the fact that the targeted airborne aircraft is also much less manoeuvrable when flying at ultra-low altitudes. The QW-3’s missile body resembles the basic design of the earlier QW-1, but comers fitted with a second-stage booster at the missile’s rear end. This enables the missile to fly a much longer range (8km) at high-speed (750 metres/second) and also deliver a heavier, expanding-rod high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a killing-zone radius of 3 metres. The missile has a length of 2.1 metres, weighs 23kg, and has an engagement altitude of 5km.

The TD-2000B’s target acquisition and fire-control system comprises both a low-level search radar as well as an optronic sensor, both of which are mounted on wheeled vehicles. The OT-3 gimballed optronic sensor package mounted on the forward part of a revolving turret includes a TV tracking camera, infra-red tracking camera and a laser rangefinder, which feeds information to the onboard fire-control computer. This calculates the weapon-laying data, and when the target is within range the 57mm gun’s gunner opens fire. The gunner also has a joystick with which to lay the weapons onto the target. The TV tracker has a maximum automatic tracking range of 6km, while the infra-red tracking camera has a maximum range of 5km. The laser rangefinder has a minimum range of 500 metres, maximum range of 5.5km and is accurate to +/-5 metres. System reaction time depends on a number of factors. According to CPMIEC, in the radar search mode this is 10 seconds while in the optronic mode it is about 6 seconds. The wheeled Battery Command Post vehicle also houses the airspace surveillance radar with a maximum range of 45km and a maximum altitude of up to 4.5km. The radar was developed by the China National Electronics Import & Export Corp-oration (CEIEC). The search radar feeds information to the data processing system that in turn allocates target information to the individual QW-2/Type 80 units. Communications equipment installed in the Battery Command Post allows it to transmit information in a digital form up to 5km, by standard radio up to 15km and by wire up to 500 metres. The Command Post vehicle is also provided with an autonomous land navigation system and an auxiliary power unit needed to power the additional electronics mounted in the vehicle. The commander is seated to the rear of the driver. A bank of four electrically-operated smoke grenade launchers is mounted either side of the forward part of the vehicle.

For ultra-low-level air defence, NORINCO is now offering to select Southeast Asian countries two distinct solutions : the LD 2000 close-in weapon system (CIWS); and the YitianVSHORADS. The LD-2000, derived from the Type 730 naval CIWS is mounted on locally developed cross-country 8x8 truck. To provide a more stable firing platform, four stabilisers are lowered to the ground. Mounted at the rear is the remote controlled turret armed with a 30mm seven-barrel cannon. Twoamunition boxes each hold 500 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition. One magazine holds armour-piercing discarding-sabot and the other high-explosive rounds. The 30mm cannon has a cyclic rate of fire 0f 4.000 rounds/minute out to 3km, but airborne targets will be engaged between 1km and 1.5km. The power-operated mount is unmanned and laid onto the target by a gunner who is seated in a fully enclosed module to the rear of the cab. Mounted on the top of the 30mm gun mount is a wide band tracking and an optronic fire-control system, which also incorporates a laser rangefinder. Target information comes from a wheeled command/control vehicle fitted with a surveillance radar, which controls between three and six LD-2000 firing units. Another version of the LD-2000 comes equipped with the gun plus six TY-90 very short-range surface-to-air missiles.

57mm anti aircraft gun (photo : Kaskus Militer)

The Yitian VSHORADS is mounted on NORINCO’s WZ-551 series 6x6 armoured personnel carrier (APC). A turret, armed with four TY-90 aurface-to-air missiles located either side of the sensor package, is mounted on the upper part of the WZ-551’s chassis. The sensor package comprises an optronic system, above which is mounted new 3-D radar that can be folded down into a horizontal position while traveling. The 3-D radar has a detection range of 18km and a tracking range of 10km. Targets can be tracked either in the optronic mode or in the radar mode, with the engagement capability and can engage targets with a maximum velocity of up to 400 metres/second, with a claimed reaction time of six to eight seconds. The TY-90 solid-propellant missile has a maximum effective range between 300 metres and 6km, with altitude coverage from 15 metres up to 4km. The fire and forget missile is transported and launched from a box-type container and has four fins at the rear and four control surfaces at the front. Once the missiles have been fitted new missiles are reloaded using a support vehicle. The WZ-551 chassis includes a nuclear/biological/chemical warfare protection system, and a central tyre pressure regulation system that allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suite the terrain being crossed. A 12.7mm machine gun is mounted at the front right side of the vehicle for local defence, with a bank of three electrically operated smoke grenade launchers mounted either side of the turret. Optional equipment includes an identification friend-or-foe capability.

In another development, the Indonesian navy has zeroed in on the CPMIEC-built C-802A anti-ship cruise missile, which will be retrofitted on to some of the Navy’s existing principal surface combatants. The 180km-range C-802A is currently in service wih the navies of Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Thailand, and is also being offered to Malaysia as replacement for the existing MBDA-built MM-38 Exocet anti-ship missiles that are nearing the end of their service lives. The latest test-firing of the C-802A took place on May 12 when the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Osman (a Jianghu IV-class-guided-missile frigate) successfully test-fired a C-802A in the Bay of Bengal, following an upgrade to the missile system with the assistance of a Chinese technical team, officials said. The BNS Osman, commissioned on May 4, 1989 into the Bangladesh Navy, used to be 556 Xiangtan of the PLA Navy’s South Sea Fleet beforeshe was decommissioned and sold to Bangladesh about 20 years ago.

29 Mei 2009

South Korea is nearing a $1-billion deal with Indonesia to trade two of its 1,300-ton attack submarines and related technology for eight Indonesian-built advanced maritime patrol aircraft, a military source said Monday.

Arms procurement officials from the two nations, which forged a ``strategic partnership'' in December 2006, will meet next week in Indonesia to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the proposed deal, the source said.

``The two sides have virtually finalized the deal, as Indonesia accepted our final proposal on June 12 when its vice defense chief was visiting,'' the source privy to the deal told The Korea Times on condition of anonymity.

``As long as there are no other developments, the two sides will sign an MOU during the meeting to implement the project,'' he said.

Unless the MOU is signed during the working-level talks, Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee will address the issue with his Indonesian counterpart when he visits Jakarta this month, he said.

Russia is also competing to sell its submarines to Indonesia by offering a package of weapons systems, including attack and transport helicopters, and armored vehicles, along with cash, he noted.

Under the ``counter-purchase mechanism,'' the source said, South Korea will export two Type-209 Changbogo-class submarines, built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in technical cooperation with Germany's Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), and transfer related technology to Indonesia.

The diesel/electric propulsion sub, measuring 56 meters in length and 5.5 meters in width, can submerge to a depth up to 250 meters and has an underwater endurance of some 15 days. It has a surface speed of 11 knots and can cruise submerged at a speed of 22 knots. The sub can carry up to 33 sailors.

The CN-235 is a medium-range twin-turbo-prop airplane, jointly developed by Indonesia and Spain, and is widely used by a number of foreign operators, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Malaysia, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates for maritime patrol, surveillance and troop transport.

The aircraft has a top cruising speed of 509 km/h and can operate at an altitude of 9,145m. It has a range of 5,000 km with maximum fuel and 2870 km with a 4,000-kg payload. A variant for maritime patrol costs some $25 million, said the source.

Korea purchased eight CN-235s for VIP and transport units in the early 2000s in a similar trade deal with Indonesia, which bought a squadron of Korea's indigenous KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer jets and hundreds of military vehicles. The deal was worth $150 million.

The envisaged subs-for-aircraft deal is expected to help boost Korea's defense industry further by resuscitating the production line for Changbogo-class submarines, another source said.

``I believe the deal would be mutually beneficial,'' he said. ``For Korea's part, the submarine exports would not only help raise the low operational capacity of the country's shipbuilders in the future, but also offer more chances to get more submarine contracts from Indonesia and other nations.''

In a move to boost bilateral cooperation in the defense industry, Former President Roh Moo-hyun and his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yodhoyono, issued a joint declaration on “strategic partnership relationship” during a summit in December 2006.

The two leaders agreed to improve cooperation on defense-related technology transfer and joint development.

Last December, South Korea’s rolling stock maker Rotem agreed with Indonesia’s PT.PINDAD on the joint development and production of six-wheel-drive armored vehicles.

28 Mei 2009

Today PT. PINDAD PERSERO of Indonesia and Oto Melara Italy have signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint commercialization and coproduction for the 105mm Pack Howitzer and small calibre artillery turrets for medium size wheeled and tracked vehicles.

PT. PINDAD PERSEO is the leading Indonesian manufacturer of such class of vehicles, whereas Oto Melara is international leader in naval and land weapon systems.

The agreement also covers the possibility of know-how transfer for local production related to the domestic market.

Singapore Technologies Kinetics (Stand B105) is launching on the international market at Eurosatory this year its latest 40mm Low Velocity Air-Burst Munition System (LV ABMS), comprising a fire control system (FCS) and the high explosive (HE) air bursting munition (ABM).The FCS clips onto a rail on top of the weapon and includes a laser rangefinder with a maximum range of 500m (with an option of 800m), with the operator being provided with a red dot for aiming purposes.

The 40 x 46mm ABM is fired from current in-service 40mm low velocity (LV) grenade launchers such as the CIS 40GL and US M203, which are installed under the barrel of 5.56mm assault rifles to enable high value targets to be neutralised.

Each HE ABM is fitted with an advanced programmable time based fuze that is not armed until it is 14-28m from the weapon and enables the projectile to be detonated above the target for maximum effect. The maximum range is 400m and the ABM features a self-destruct fuze to reduce the number of dud rounds on the battlefield.

Development and testing of the 40mm LV ABMS are complete and production can commence as soon as orders are placed. STK also manufactures a complete family of40mm high velocity ammunition as well as a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and a 40mm Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) with an ABM FCS.

MANILA - The Philippines is negotiating to buy 10 second-hand combat helicopters from Singapore to beef up the military's efforts to defeat Muslim and communist rebels, a senior general said on Wednesday.

The air force general, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the government had allocated 400 million pesos ($9 million) to buy the night-capable refurbished aircraft from Singapore in a commercial deal.

"This is not the first time we're entering into a deal with Singapore to acquire U.S.-made UH-1H helicopters," the general said, adding 20 similar single-engined aircraft had been transferred by Singapore in 2005.

The Philippines has 40 helicopters, mostly second-hand, donated by the United States as part of military assistance to fight communist New People's Army rebels and Muslim militants with ties to Jemaah Islamiah.

Last year, the government set aside nearly 8 billion pesos to acquire new attack helicopters and utility helicopters.

The new armed forces chief, Lieutenant-General Alexander Yano, said the military's aging hardware was affecting its ability to defend its borders.

"To be frank with you, our capability as far as these aspects are concerned is a little deficient," Yano told reporters on Wednesday.

"We cannot really defend all these areas because of the lack of equipment."

Phalanx CIWS block 1B (photo : Navweaps)Beginning in 1989, New Zealand and Australia introduced the ANZAC Class frigates, based on Blohm + Voss’ Meko 200 modular design. A total of 10 were built, 8 for Australia and another 2 for New Zealand; HMNZS Te Kaha [F77] was commissioned in 1997, and HMNZS Te Mana [F111] in 1999. The ships were originally fitted with RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles, torpedoes, and 5 inch guns, which will not suffice against modern threats. An Australian program called “ANZAC Class Anti-Ship Missile Defences” aims to extend their useful operational lives by upgrading their ships’ combat systems and radar, switching to the more advanced RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missile, adding Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other upgrades. New Zealand appears to be headed toward a similar program, in the wake of conclusions that the ships’ existing systems will not remain effective much past 2010.

As an initial step, New Zealand’s TV3 reports that their navy is spending NZ$ 25 million to upgrade their Mk15 Phalanx 20mm gatling guns to deal with fast boats and helicopters, as well as incoming missiles. These Phalanx block 1B upgrades can be performed quickly, and do not require major modifications or down time.

HMNZS Te Kaha (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

A NZ$60 million platform systems upgrade is likely to begin in 2009 and be complete by 2010. Areas addressed are likely to include items like gearboxes and engines, generators, air conditioning units, generating equipment, main machinery control equipment and computers outside of the combat system. That change would wait until 2012-2013, whereupon a NZ$ 500 million self-defense upgrade would address upgrades to the combat system and the weaponry it controls. That effort is part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s 2006 long-term development plan, but this does not guarantee future funding.

The Philippines has advanced its air force modernisation efforts by signing a $13.8 million deal with Italy's Alenia Aermacchi for 18 SF-260F primary trainers.

To be delivered over an 18-month period from mid-2009, the new aircraft will be manufactured in Italy, but assembled locally by Aerotech Industries Philippines. Announced on 12 May, the deal also covers the provision of pilot and technician training services, ground support equipment and spare parts, says Alenia Aermacchi.

The Philippine air force is already an operator of the SF-260 (Italian air force examples pictured above), having previously acquired 64 to support its training activities. However, only around 25 of these earlier aircraft are currently operational, according to Flight's MiliCAS database.

Manila also has around 11 SIAI Marchetti S-211 basic jet trainers in use, with Alenia Aermacchi now marketing an extensively redesigned version called the M-311.

MASSY, France & FULLERTON, Calif., – ThalesRaytheonSystems has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defense, Government of Malaysia, to upgrade the Malaysian Air Defense Ground Environment system. Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. The upgrade will create a new Air Defense Sector Operations Center and includes the installation of one new long-range air defense radar.

The SOC command and control software will be an adaptation of the Sentry® Air Defense Ground Environment System developed by ThalesRaytheonSystems in Fullerton, Calif. Sentry is also the basis for the Battle Control System recently declared operational by the U.S. Air Force and Canadian Air Force for the air defense of the North American continent.Groundmaster 400's new version : radar on truck (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

The long-range air defense radar, will be delivered by ThalesRaytheonSystems in France. It is part of a new family of high- medium- and low-altitude digital radars that provides unmatched detection performances as well as an outstanding operational availability.

The radar is perfectly adapted to overcome the challenges of the Malaysian country, which is characterized by its tropical environment and the need to operate simultaneously over mountainous terrain, costal plains, and oceanic approaches.

This award continues the long history of cooperation between ThalesRaytheonSystems and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which dates back to the installation of the first automated command and control system for the RMAF in Butterworth.

Malaysia's navy has put its requirement for anti-submarine warfare helicopters at the top of a list of priorities, with the service planning to ask for funding for the procurement during the country's 2011-15 spending plan.

NH Industries NH-90 (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

"ASW helicopters are a higher priority than maritime patrol aircraft or other aerial assets. We will need around six to operate with our new Scorpene submarines," says navy chief Adm Abdul Aziz Jaafar. "Money is tight and there are a lot of things that everyone wants, but we'll ask the government to put aside some funds in the 10th Malaysia Plan."

A competition is likely to begin around 2010 at the earliest, with the order likely to include an option for an additional six helicopters, say industry sources in Kuala Lumpur. The contenders are likely to include the AgustaWestland Super Lynx, Kaman SH-2 Seasprite, Kamov Ka-28, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk. "Whichever company can give us the better technology, the better it is for us," says Abdul Aziz.

Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk (photo : Airliners)

The helicopters would eventually replace the navy's six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300s and six Eurocopter AS555 Fennecs. The service retired a fleet of Westland Wasps in 1999.

"When you have ASW helicopters, you can work effectively with and against submarines. Both are force multipliers, and their sheer presence will undoubtedly enhance underwater and anti-submarine warfare capability. This is very conducive considering the fact that Malaysia has a large maritime area and vast economic potential that needs to be protected," says Abdul Aziz.

AgustaWestland Super Lynx (photo : Aiad)

He adds that the service is keen on acquiring maritime patrol aircraft capabilities, with Embraer and Lockheed Martin having held informal talks with the Malaysian government about providing aircraft. "The reality is that this will be an expensive purchase and it is not really our highest priority. When we do go forward on this, we will work together with our colleagues in the air force to decide on the best aircraft."

Kaman SH-2 Seasprite (photo : Naval Technology)Priority will also be given to the acquisition of unmanned air vehicles, which can also be used for maritime patrol missions along the Malacca Straits and the South China Sea. "We are giving a greater emphasis on UAVs as we feel that this technology will be useful for us. Again, we will work with the air force," says Abdul Aziz.